The EDGE of the Covid era

TheEDGEoftheCovidera

How can The Bays waterfront be a therapeutic space in all times for near and far?

Cheuk Ling Phoebe Jong

The situation on site (during Covid-19 lockdown)

Context Analysis (5 km restriction)

Scale 1: 50000

What problems arrise during Covid-19?

Raising awareness of therapeutic landscape

The Covid-19 Pandemic

It is impacting the globe. Some of the government restrictions to minimize the spread of diseases have been carried out. Movements of social distancing, physical isolation or even ‘lockdowns’ were implemented.

Mental health and wellbeing Issues

The impact of mental health and wellbeing has been negatively affected to many Australians. Working from home and being isolated for a long period of time created tremendous stress.

Importanceoftherapeuticlandscape

Therapeuticlandscapeplaysan importantroletoconsolidatepeople’s emotions.Itisbelievedthatthere isanaturalhealingpowerwhile interactingwithsocialandnatural environmenttoreliefphysicaland mentaldisorder.

What is specific regards with Covid-19?

The importance of access local blue and green space

Is there sufficient public accessible water edge and parks ? Currently, the whole Glebe Island is restricted with fences. It is not publicly accessible.

The situation on site (after Covid-19 lockdown)

Context Analysis

Context Analysis- Potential waterfront edges networks

Site Qualities

Topography and Hydrology

Mapping out the topography surrounded the site

Most area of the distributed ground is level to slope <3%. Majority of the site is relatively flat. It is a reclaimed area through times with human activities.

The higherst point around 40m, located at the Balmain side with steep slope. The slope gradient is around 25%-70%.

Mapping out the drainage surrounded the site

Surface run-off will run from higher point to lower point following the ridgeline. It is also been found that there is a creekline is being modified by human. It is now a straight channel with concrete.

Site Qualities

Topography and Hydrology

Mapping out the soil surrounded the site

The disturbed terrain contained acid sulfate soil due to historical industrial background of the site.

The contaiminated soil can pose a risk to water quality such as heavy metals, into waterways and wetlands once rewetted, resulting in a reduction in pH and dissolved oxygen levels (Water Quality Australia).

According to eSPADE, the acid sulfate soil in the site area is around 2 to 4m high, the bottom sediments in the surrounding bays are with high ASS probability.

Site Analysis

Circulation- Public transportation

The newly built White Bay Metro Station will create new connection between Western Sydney, Inner West, the Bays and the City.

Balmain and Pyrmont are the closest ferry stops connecting the site.

One of the limits of the site currently is that the bus frequency is poor, waiting time is long due to insufficient bus lines. Situation would be improved by the new metro station opened.

The site will be more convenient and publicly accessible which will bring more people into the site through different modes of transport.

Light rail is supplementing the travel between Inner West and the City.

Site Analysis

Circulation- Pedestrian and Cycleways

The site is a relatively flat area that is equitable and safe for everyone to walk along.

It is suitable for all abilities catering different age groups and abilities.

While in the higher elevation area, there is ramp and handles that allows people in wheelchairs or people with bike to come easily.

Fundamental Asset Views- Along the edge

Being in along the water edge (Fingers as framing device)

Fundamental Asset Views- Appreciating the horizons

Loooking at a higher elevation to view Glebe Island

Fundamental Asset

Panorama view of Glebe Island and significant landmarks

Opportunity Forms and Axis - how it evoke cognitive emotions

(Google, 2021). (Google, 2021).

(Google, 2021). (Georgie, 2021).

- has a special orientation of the surroundings.

-perpendicular to the Anzac Bridge axis,

-visually a focal point that draws attention.

- has a clear and direct edge.

- composition is simple and symmetrical when it is viewed in a distance

- juxtaposing the beautiful and peaceful waterfront with Anzac Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

- clearly define the space.

-uniform walkways

-sense of security and comfort with enclosed streets and neighbourhood

- old railway tracks reveals industrial historical background of the site

- acts as a way-finding tool to facilitate pedestrian links.

Opportunity Materials found on site

Reuse and retain materials on site allows people to revolve memory of the site. It can also add civic pride and sense of identity through the materials and textures.

Constraints

Fences and Barriers

Key:

access point

Fences and Barriers

The site is all bounded around by fences along the northern edge and it is not publicly accessible.

There are often fences blocking the views on high elevated platforms such as at the sandstone cliff and Anzac Bridge side.

Fences off along the northern edge. (Chris, 2021)

Restricted accessed to walk closer to White Bay Powerhouse Station. (Aspect Environmental, 2021)

Restricted accessed to walk closer to the site. (Author, 2021)

Fences restricted to get in the working port pier. (Andrew, 2021)

Restricted accessed to walk closer to Glebe Island side. (Author, 2021)

Fences blocking the view even in high elevated side. (Author, 2021)

Constraints

Toxic Soil and Poor Water Quality

Soil Situation:

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)

Benzo (a) Pyrene

Heavy metals ( zinc, lead, cadnium etc)

quality Situation:

Due to the heavy industrial history of this site the condition of the soil has greatly deteriorated. Soil remediation is in needed. This place is the heaviest contaminated area of the site.

Toxins included:

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), present in fill materials.

• Heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, mercury, and zinc)

• Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH)

• PCBs and VOCs

• Asbestos.

The site has a poor water quality, all the parameters are higher than the ANZECC guidelines. The toxic soil that flows to the Sydney Harbour negatively affects the quality of water and hence affecting the marine ecosystem.

The Measure of Time

From the past, present to future

The Cadigal and Wangal people of the Eora Nation lived in the Bays Precinct.

Captain James Cook arrived. The disease of smallpox caused half of the indigenous people death in Sydney region.

An increase in trading activities. Boiling-down works to produce tallows near Blackwattle Swamp. Slaughterhouse has been relocated to Glebe Island.

John Booth’s Steam Saw Mill is established at White Bay for producing timber.

The first bridge connects Glebe Island to Pyrmont for animal-delivery in 1862.

Glebe Island is served as the main army depot for US army.

The White Bay Powerhouse Station is transferred to Electricity Commission of NSW. Fish market is moved to Blackwattle Bay.

In 2013, the White Bay International Passenger Terminal is opened on 2013.

In 2014, Inner West Light Rail extension is opened along the former rail corridor.

More land is reclaimed from White Bay shoreline. A new swing bridge replaced the old bridge to allow ships to pass through.

The first NSW container terminal was opened at White Bay.

8 lanes of Anzac Bridge was opened.

The Measure of Time

Future development proposal

Carry out phytoremediation to clean out the soil on the land of northern side edges and White Bay Powerhouse Station.

Opening up cafe and installation art elements in front of WBPS

The Bays Metro Station will be opening up to public in 2023. The Sydney Metro West line is connecting from Sydney CBD to Parramatta, linking Westmead as the health cluster.

Revive and recreate new biodiversity and ecosystem in the Glebe Island.

Reactivate the working harbour into a cultural, arts, and photography paradise.

Education and Workshops on community participation in horticulture therapy and enjoy sensory stimulation through plantings.

Opening up the northern side of water promenade with more sports and recreation facilities and housings create a therapeutic neighbourhood.

Connecting all the harbour edges one and all. Allows a long waterfront walk from the Bays to Sydney CBD.

The Aims Principles and Objectives

1. REvive

- Through phytoremediation process to allows reviving the soil and purifying the site.

- Through natural healing effects to recover its natural state of ecosystem with minimal human destruction.

Structure Plan Proposal

An overview of the future

development

Revive Stage 1- Phytoremediation

Phytoremediation would reduce the toxins on the site through revegetation. Hence, the land would become productive which allows development in the future.

Before Phytoremediation Process

After Phytoremediation Process

Testing through models

Metal immobilization Toxicity reduce

Through phytostablization and phytofiltration

Contaminants uptake by roots.

Decomposer create new habitats

Revive Stage 1- Phytoremediation

Analysis of toxicity level through diversification in times

Planting test palette

Perennial Annual Biennial Key:

Reconnect

Stage 2: The Bays Metro Station opened up in 2030

Reconnect

Stage 3: Opening up cafe and installation art elements in front of WBPS

Keep existing structures and materials. Revitalise the WBPS to become a visual language to create civic pride to the site.

Reconnect Testing through models

- This is a public art installation is using yarning to symbolise indigenous Australian arts and achievement to connect the community.

- It is also an interesting and playful art to interact with people around, enjoying relaxing moments appreciating the views of the Glebe Island.

- This is a terracing stepping of the edge to the water, allowing interaction with the harbour water with sensory engagement.

- Water has a calming and remediating effects on our souls to relief sad and stress.

Reconnect Stage 4: Human interactions with Nature

Horticultural therapy through times

Through community participation in horticulture and enjoy sensory stimulation through plantings.

Phytormediation in 2021

- Plant species that are used to clean up, or remediate, contaminated sites via children educational programs.

- The soil is very toxic and contaminated at the moment with heavy metals, zinc and lead.

Phytormediation in 2030

- Plant species and roots systems grown up while children also grown up through times. They are the witness and participate of the process of planting.

Phytormediation in 2060

- Plant species and roots are fully grown up. It absorbed and purified the toxic and contaminated substances in the soil.

- While the through times, the child from the old days were grown up and can bring this to their next generation and educate them as well.

What is Hoverflies?

- insect family: Syrphidae

- beneficial insects appear in large numbers during the spring and hot summer.

- often seen hovering or nectaring at flowers

- linger in gardens to feed at flowers and to seek shade

Life cycle of a hoverfly

Eggs typically hatch a few days after they are laid.

The role of larva is to feed. There are 3 stages of ‘instars’. The 3rd stage spent majority of year feeding with aphids.

The pupa is formed inside the skin of the 3rd stage. This stage take a few weeks to months to grow into adult.

The function of adult is fully developed. It can mate, disperse and lay eggs for the next generations.

Species that found in Australia

Biodiversity

Hoverflies in Australia

Where can we find hoverflies in Australia

- Melangyna viridiceps, Simosyrphus grandicornis (Maquart), Eristalinus punctulatus(Maquart) and Eristalis tenax (Linnaeus) were present at low latitudes throughout the year but appeared at high latitudes (e.g. Victoria and Tasmania) during the summer.

- Fewer records in winter than summer

Why do we introduce more hoverfies into the Glebe Island

- Are out and about today in Sydney inner west

- Hard-working insect that pollen and pollinate flowers

- Also feast on aphids, thrips, scale insects and caterpillars

-Effective natural way to control pests in terms of reducing use of pesticide

Potential seasonal migrant in Australia

-All four species were recorded throughout the year with no gaps

- A rapid, ubiquitous growth of hoverfly populations due to large numbers of cereal and canola aphids experienced in crops over winter and early spring.

Biodiversity Food chain illustraive diagram

Hoverfly larvae (Melangnya spp.) attack a range of soft-bodied insects and are a particularly voracious predator of aphids.

Hoverfly larvae go largely unnoticed as they crawl over foliage in search of their aphid prey.

There is no doubt that hoverflies, have held back damaging aphid populations in crops, and will continue to do so in urban gardens.

Planting and flowering time

Planting and Flowering Chart

- The flowering chart shown that there is white, yellow, and purple blooming flowers over the year.

- Insects has a different vision to human. They can perceive different colours including UV lights. White and yellow flowers tends to attract hoverflies habitat and blue and purple flowers tends to attract bees.

Reactivate Programs/ Activites on site

The northern side is planned to be a recreational hub with residential housing , creating a therapeutic neighbourhood and healthy living habitats for the community.

Sport recreation includes basketball courts, tennis courts, jogging tracks and outdoor gym.

Physical and mental well-being can be improve through exercising.

Reactivate Water promenade edge experience

Reactivate Water promenade edge experience

How can the current industrial working harbour coexist with future urban residential development to be a healing waterfront edge?

Port + Arts & Photography

NEVER-ENDING BLUE

Immerse in the blue and green to refresh our soul and spirit. Enjoy a quiet and calming threshold area at the edge of waterfront promenade with stunning Harbour view and Harbour Bridge at the sightline.

FRESH BREEZE

Reactivate Industrial Port + Arts & Photography Programs

PHOTOGRAPHERS’ PARADISE

REFLECTION & COMFORT

Retain existing port and cargo experience to create transition of threshold. An ordinary cargo dock has become an urban backdrop for selfies, portraits, and endless creativity.

Overview Design Proposal

Through model testing

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Model Testing- Night Time Safety

At night time, lighting is essential to provide safety to people on site.

Warm and yellow light gives a cozy feeling and guide people through the dark.

Warmer lighting tends to be friend with insects and cause less pollutants and misleading signals to animals and creatures.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Model Testing- Night Time Safety

The sitting structures with curve shape allows to form a safe and enclosed feeling to people. Abstract forms of shadows adds a light of play.

Edge lighting on the side of the steps allow people to walk closer to water safer. Enjoy private night time with waves and sea breeze to quiet our minds.

Avoiding sharp corners with blind spots. Straight and flat road with the old railways track creates a way-finding symbol. Direct see-through way increase the sense of security.

Stage 8: The New Bays Precinct

The New Bays Precinct Connecting the EDGES all in one